French president Nicolas Sarkozy this week honoured Eddy Merckx by elevating the Belgian cycling legend to the highest possible Legion of Honour grade at the Elysee Palace on December 15th.

By giving Eddy Merckx this prestigious title, France is recognizing Merckx’ exceptional talent and career. He won almost every important race in cycling earning him the nickname “The Cannibal”. Most specialists consider him to be the best cyclist of all time. Merckx is remembered for five victories in the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia, one Vuelta a España victory, three World road race crowns, the World hour record and 31 wins in the one-day classics.

Merckx and Roger de Vlaeminck, great rivals from the same country, Belgium